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REFORM UK SURGE: Nigel Farage’s Party Challenges Conservatives

REFORM UK SURGE: Nigel Farage’s Party Challenges Conservatives

Reform UK is quickly closing in on the Conservative Party’s membership numbers, now boasting over 121,000 members. This surge puts it close to overtaking the Conservatives, who currently have around 131,680 members. The party’s leader, Nigel Farage, has launched a live membership tracker to highlight this growth.

Farage confidently predicts that Reform UK will soon surpass the Conservative Party in membership. He says this growth stems from dissatisfaction with the Conservatives’ handling of key issues like border control and taxation. This discontent has hurt the Conservative brand despite its historical success and long-standing dominance in British politics.

Reform UK’s rise is significant as political realignment in Britain is rare and hasn’t happened for a century. However, Farage believes current conditions favor such a shift. Bookmakers even suggest he could be Britain’s next Prime Minister due to his party’s rapid expansion and appeal among young voters through special membership deals.

With an impressive increase from 30,000 members in June to over 121,000 by December, Reform UK stands as Britain’s fastest-growing political party. The recent introduction of discounted memberships for under-25s further fueled this growth with many new sign-ups within days of its launch.

NBA’S SHOCKING Return to China: Millions at Stake After Controversial Ban Lifted

NBA’S SHOCKING Return to China: Millions at Stake After Controversial Ban Lifted

The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games in China. This follows the reinstatement of the NBA’s broadcast deal, worth millions. The league was banned in 2019 after a controversial tweet by Rockets executive Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong protesters.

Chinese authorities demanded Morey be fired, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver refused. Instead, Silver publicly criticized Morey, leading to his apology and retraction of support for the pro-democracy movement. Despite this, China suspended NBA broadcasts until now.

Morey’s tweet read: “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” His apology aimed to mend relations with Chinese fans and sponsors offended by his stance. He stressed that his views were personal and not representative of the Rockets or the NBA as a whole.

The return of NBA games to Chinese screens marks a significant financial move for both parties involved. It highlights ongoing tensions between business interests and political stances within international sports diplomacy.

TRUMP’S Triumph Ignites Outrage: Just Stop OIL Strikes Back

TRUMP’S Triumph Ignites Outrage: Just Stop OIL Strikes Back

On Wednesday, Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, winning support from over 70 million Americans. Yet, not everyone was pleased. The far-left group Just Stop Oil showed their anger by splashing bright orange paint on the U.S. Embassy in London.

Just Stop Oil slammed corporate power and fossil fuel industries, saying they control major political parties and are the real winners of the election. They called Trump a “fake populist,” claiming he ignores what they see as vital — stopping oil and gas drilling. The group urged regular people to act since they believe no leaders will make needed changes.

Activist Joseph Aggarwal was detained by police after joining the protest. He voiced concerns about a lack of true democracy across Western nations, arguing voters get similar policies no matter which party wins, worsening living conditions and climate issues. Aggarwal accused Trump of using public frustration to help billionaires while ignoring urgent environmental problems.

TRUMP’S Surge: Why Hispanic Voters Are Embracing Him

TRUMP’S Surge: Why Hispanic Voters Are Embracing Him

CBS News Executive Director of Elections and Surveys, Anthony Salvanto, highlighted Donald Trump’s rising support among Hispanic neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Despite Trump’s past rhetoric, many Hispanics feel he isn’t targeting them negatively. This perception is shifting some Latino voters toward Trump.

A poll revealed that two-thirds of surveyed Latinos believe Trump wasn’t referring to them when discussing immigrants. Additionally, half of foreign-born Latinos shared this sentiment. These findings suggest a growing acceptance of Trump among Hispanic communities.

While Latinos predominantly lean Democrat, Trump’s messaging on the economy resonates with many in this demographic. His approach appears to offer a sense of belonging similar to that extended to white voters. This strategy could be pivotal for his future campaigns as he continues to engage with diverse voter groups.

TRUMP RALLY Draws Huge Crowd In Arizona: Supporters Ecstatic

TRUMP RALLY Draws Huge Crowd In Arizona: Supporters Ecstatic

Videos and pictures on social media show the arena, which holds 18,000 people, nearly full ahead of former President Donald Trump’s speech at the Turning Point Action rally. Supporters lined up for miles hoping to gain entry.

The venue previously hosted an event by Harris earlier this month, drawing a crowd of 15,000. The Trump rally comes shortly after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the suspension of his presidential campaign and urged blue state residents to vote for him while supporting Trump in battleground states.

Trump hinted at a “special guest” for the rally on Truth Social, leading many to speculate that it could be Kennedy. “Heading to Arizona where I will soon be speaking at Turning Point — BIG CROWD, AND EVEN BIGGER SURPRISE!” he posted.

Keir Starmer Biography, Parents, Legal Career, & Wife Britannica

LABOUR PARTY’S Landslide WIN Ends Conservative Rule In UK

Britain’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, has pledged to reverse the despair that accumulated over 14 years of Conservative rule. He promises an urgent mission of national renewal after Labour’s landslide victory.

The challenges are significant. Rising poverty, crumbling infrastructure, a lagging economy, and an overstretched National Health Service have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The defeat marks the worst ever for Conservatives in the UK.

Labour will now form the next government amid calls for immediate action to address these pressing issues. Follow AP’s live coverage of the election for more updates on this historic shift in British politics.

The FT’s UK general election model explained

LABOUR PARTY Surges Amid UK Election Betting Scandal

The U.K. general election on July 4 is approaching, with the Labour Party expected to defeat Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives. Polls indicate Labour leader Keir Starmer will likely form the next government.

The Conservative campaign has struggled, facing allegations of election betting involving figures close to Sunak. This scandal has further dampened their already lackluster efforts.

In the U.K., the prime minister decides election dates, unlike fixed schedules in countries like the U.S. This unique system has led to a market for predicting election dates and outcomes.

Police officers and Conservative insiders are under investigation for their involvement in this betting scandal, adding another layer of controversy as over 50 countries prepare for elections in 2024.

Joe Biden: The President The White House

Biden’s BORDER Policy SHOCKS Americans: Crime Rates Soar

President Biden’s border policy has led to a surge in illegal crossings. Many Americans are worried about the rising crime rates linked to this influx. Local communities are feeling the impact, and some residents say they no longer feel safe in their own neighborhoods.

Critics argue that Biden’s approach is too lenient and lacks proper enforcement. They believe this has encouraged more people to cross illegally, putting a strain on resources and law enforcement.

Supporters of stricter border control point out that crime rates have increased in areas with high numbers of illegal immigrants. They call for immediate action to secure the border and protect American citizens from further harm.

The debate over immigration policy continues, but one thing is clear: many Americans are deeply concerned about their safety and the future of their communities under current policies.

POPULIST PVV Surge: Historic Gains in European Parliament

POPULIST PVV Surge: Historic Gains in European Parliament

The Party for Freedom (PVV) is set to secure at least seven seats in the European Parliament, according to exit polls. This marks a significant gain from zero seats in 2019. Ipsos estimates show this as the largest gain for any Dutch party and a historic high for PVV.

Despite this success, the Green Left and Labour Party alliance is predicted to win eight seats, one fewer than their combined total in 2019. Geert Wilders expressed optimism about potentially gaining an additional seat when official results are released. He stated, “We have never had seven seats before… We are by far the biggest winner.”

Wilders believes this result signals a broader trend across Europe against mass migration policies. He said that Eurosceptical voices will grow stronger within the European Parliament, sending a clear message to Brussels elites.

Tom Van Grieken of Belgium’s Vlaams Belang echoed Wilders’ sentiment, calling it a “very hopeful signal” for similar parties across Europe. He noted that what happened in the Netherlands could also happen in Flanders on Sunday.

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

REFORM UK RISES: Public Discontent Over Immigration Policies Fuels Momentum

REFORM UK RISES: Public Discontent Over Immigration Policies Fuels Momentum

Reform UK is gaining momentum, largely fueled by its firm stance against “unchecked immigration,” as stated by the party’s deputy chair. This surge in support comes in light of recent data from Ipsos Mori and British Future, a pro-immigration think tank. The figures highlight public dissatisfaction with the government’s management of borders, indicating a potential shift in the UK’s political landscape.

Despite Labour currently leading in the polls, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is outpacing the Conservatives when it comes to trust and policy matters. This could serve as an alarm bell for Tory politicians who have been at Britain’s political helm for two centuries. Ben Habib, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, attributes this shift to what he perceives as the Conservative Party neglecting their own voter base.

According to Ipsos Mori research, 69% of Britons express dissatisfaction with immigration policies while only 9% are content. Of those dissatisfied individuals, over half (52%) believe migration should be reduced while just 17% think it should increase. Specific grievances include inadequate measures to prevent channel crossings (54%) and high immigration numbers (51%). Less concern was shown towards creating negative environments for migrants (28%) or poor treatment of asylum seekers (25%).

Habib asserts that this widespread discontent signifies a historic realignment in politics

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

A recent trial ballot in Michigan has revealed a surprising lead for Trump over Biden, with 47 percent favoring the former president compared to 44 percent for the incumbent. This result falls within the survey’s ±3 percent margin of error, leaving nine percent of voters still undecided.

In a more complex five-way trial ballot test, Trump maintains his lead at 44 percent against Biden’s 42 percent. The remaining votes are split among independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein, and independent Cornel West.

Steve Mitchell, president of Mitchell Research, attributes Trump’s lead to Biden’s lackluster support from African Americans and younger voters. He forecasts a nail-biting contest ahead as the victory will likely hinge on which candidate can rally their base more effectively.

In a head-to-head choice between Trump and Biden, an overwhelming 90 percent of Republican Michiganders back Trump while only 84 percent of Democrats support Biden. This poll report underscores an uncomfortable situation for Biden as he loses a significant 12 percent chunk of his vote to former President Trump.

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in South Africa’s political scene, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 1994. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a decline in support from 44% to 39% since November 2022.

On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has seen its share rise from 23% to a notable 27%. A newcomer on the scene, the MK Party, has made an impressive debut with a surprising 13%, while support for the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has dwindled to just 10%.

This changing landscape could potentially pave the way for DA to form a majority coalition with other parties excluding ANC and EFF. This tactic proved successful in Cape Town’s municipal elections back in 2006. Despite ANC’s historical appeal due to its instrumental role in ending apartheid, ongoing issues such as electricity and water shortages, high crime rates, and rampant corruption have strained voters’ loyalty.

The shifting political climate suggests that voters are seeking change and are willing to look beyond traditional party lines. This could lead to significant changes in South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

SENIOR CITIZEN Soars Skyward: Security Shutter in Wales Store Lifts Woman Off Ground

SENIOR CITIZEN Soars Skyward: Security Shutter in Wales Store Lifts Woman Off Ground

In an unusual turn of events, Anne Hughes, a 71-year-old woman, found herself lifted off the ground when her coat became entangled with a security shutter outside a store in Wales.

Hughes, who works as a cleaner at the Best One shop near Cardiff, was caught off guard when her coat snagged and she was hoisted into the air. “I thought “flipping heck!”” said Hughes. A quick-thinking colleague came to her aid and helped her down after she spent 12 seconds suspended mid-air.

Despite the odd incident, Hughes managed to retain her sense of humor about it all. She expressed relief that she hadn’t landed face-first and even joked that such an event could only happen to her.

The store seized this unexpected opportunity by using the footage for online promotion with a humorous caption about their deals and staff members’ antics. The video clip was shared on social media platform X with this playful tagline: "Don’t hang about like Ann, come down to Best One for unbeatable deals! The only thing going up in our shop is our staff — not our prices!

TRUMP’S MAGA Wave Sparks Global Conservative Populist Triumphs

TRUMP’S MAGA Wave Sparks Global Conservative Populist Triumphs

In a recent interview at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump stated that his MAGA-Trump movement is driving a global surge of conservative populist victories. He pointed to Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, as an example. Milei reportedly thanked Trump for laying the groundwork with his policies. The former US president playfully suggested that Milei’s “Make Argentina Great Again” slogan could also be shortened to MAGA.

Trump’s 2016 triumph over Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton was not a singular occurrence. It was preceded by significant wins for conservative populists worldwide, such as the Brexit referendum in the UK and Jimmy Morales’s victory in Guatemala’s presidential race. These successes helped ignite the movement that ultimately led to Trump’s ascendancy.

As we approach 2024, conservative populists are making further strides globally. Italy now boasts Giorgia Meloni as Prime Minister and Geert Wilders’ PVV party leads polls in Netherlands. With these victories and more expected throughout the year, it appears a global sweep for conservative populists is on the cards leading up to Trump’s anticipated rematch with Democrat President Joe Biden.

Japan reports on Nippon, U.S. Steel acquisition | Pittsburgh Post ...

US STEEL Takeover: BLOCKING Japanese Buyout Could Save American Jobs

Nippon Steel, Japan’s leading steel company, is facing a storm of criticism over its planned $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation. The deal, unveiled on Monday, values U.S. Steel at $55 per share and has sparked immediate opposition, especially in the Rust Belt where U.S. Steel has been a cornerstone since 1901.

Despite U.S. Steel’s assurances that the merger would unite “two storied companies with rich histories,” lawmakers are demanding action. Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) have written to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to halt the deal.

The senators contend that domestic steel production is vital for national security and needs careful scrutiny before permitting foreign investment. CFIUS, led by Yellen, holds the authority to stop such investments after a review process.

While experts predict CFIUS is more likely to block deals involving countries perceived as adversaries like Russia or China rather than allies like Japan, this situation highlights bipartisan worries about foreign control over crucial industries.

UK INFLATION TUMBLES to 39%: Central Bank May Slash Rates Sooner Than Predicted

UK INFLATION TUMBLES to 39%: Central Bank May Slash Rates Sooner Than Predicted

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently announced a surprising drop in UK inflation to 3.9% in November, a decrease from the previous month’s 4.6%. This dip, larger than what financial markets had forecasted, marks the lowest inflation level since September 2021.

This decline is primarily attributed to falling fuel and food prices according to the ONS. However, despite this optimistic news, the Bank of England’s primary interest rate remains at a staggering high of 5.25%, not seen for over a decade and a half.

Governor Andrew Bailey hinted that this stringent interest rate policy might continue for some time. Yet Samuel Tombs, chief U.K economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics suggests an alternative view — that this sharp fall in inflation could trigger an earlier-than-expected cut in interest rates; perhaps as early as the first half of next year.

While elevated interest rates initially helped curb inflation sparked by supply chain disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they have also put pressure on consumer spending and slowed economic growth. As such there are growing worries that maintaining high rates could inflict unnecessary damage on the economy.

Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy

Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy

A bipartisan committee, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), has been studying the economic effects of China on the US for a year. The investigation centered on job market changes, manufacturing shifts, and national security concerns since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

The committee released a report this Tuesday recommending President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress to implement nearly 150 policies to counteract China’s economic influence. One significant suggestion is to cancel China’s permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) with the U.S., a status endorsed by former President George W. Bush in 2001.

The report argues that granting PNTR to China did not bring anticipated benefits for the US or trigger expected reforms in China. It asserts that this has led to a loss of vital U.S. economic leverage and inflicted damage on U.S industry, workers, and manufacturers due to unfair trade practices.

The committee proposes shifting China into a new tariff category that reinstates U.S economic leverage while reducing dependence on Chinese

Britain’s Labour Party doesn’t want to talk about a hung ...

LABOUR PARTY Triumphs: Shocking Upset in Special Elections Reshapes UK Political Landscape

In a surprising turn of events, Britain’s Labour Party has managed to secure two Parliament seats previously dominated by the Conservatives. This unexpected victory took place in the special elections held in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, with a significant number of voters switching their loyalty to Labour.

This win strengthens Labour’s standing as the primary challenger for next year’s national election. It also piles pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to rejuvenate his party’s reputation. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, proclaimed that his party is “redrawing the political map”.

The victories were marked by Sarah Edwards’ success in Tamworth and Alistair Strathern’s triumph in Mid-Bedfordshire, both overcoming substantial Conservative majorities from 2019. However, it should be noted that voter turnout was relatively low at 36% and 44% respectively. Additionally, these elections took place under unique circumstances due to resignations from former lawmakers.

UK inflation dips slightly to 10.1% | Business News | Sky News

UK Inflation DEFIES Predictions, STAYS at 67%: What’s Next for the Economy?

The UK’s inflation rate held steady at 6.7% in September, flying in the face of economists’ predictions for a slight decrease. The Office for National Statistics highlighted that while food and drink prices dipped, they were counterbalanced by an uptick in fuel costs.

This persistent inflation rate is more than triple the Bank of England’s target of 2%. Despite this, it is not expected that the bank will hike interest rates during its November policy meeting. Instead, it seems set to keep its main borrowing rate at a peak not seen in 15 years — a hefty 5.25%.

James Smith from the Resolution Foundation think tank offered his perspective on this economic puzzle: “For now, progress on reducing inflation has hit a roadblock.” He anticipates a significant drop to below 5% next month as energy prices are projected to fall for most consumers.

In response to price surges triggered by pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — both factors contributing heavily to increased food and energy costs — the Bank of England has been steadily cranking up interest rates from near zero levels.

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BRITISH PM’S Bold Housing Plan: 15 Million Homes to FIX Crisis

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a plan to tackle the UK’s housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes over the next five years. This initiative aims to address the severe shortage of housing and create jobs in the construction sector.

The plan includes government-led projects and incentives for private developers, focusing on sustainable urban planning and energy-efficient homes. This aligns with broader goals to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Critics question whether the government can secure adequate funding and navigate bureaucratic challenges to achieve this ambitious goal. Despite these concerns, the government cites past successes in large-scale infrastructure as evidence of its capability.

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